Orange Grove Center began as a small school serving 15 children in 1953. It has since grown to serve nearly 200 students within 10 years and expanded its services to include group homes, employment placements, and services for people who are blind. Today it provides a wide range of services including education, vocational training, healthcare, residential facilities, recreation, and more to help individuals gain independence and be included in the community.
2. Michael A. Barto
O
President
Hugh J. Moore, Jr.
Chairman
Dillard Edgemon range Grove Center blossomed
Vice President from an ad placed in the Chattanooga Times
by a concerned parent of a child with a devel-
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Susan Gouger Rouse
Vice President opmental disability, to a small school on Main
Street that served 15 children in the first class.
Thomas H. Cox
Treasurer
In 1953, the school was founded Orange Grove
Dr. Bruce Hutchinson Elementary School. The mission was to “guide
Asst. Treasurer
individuals into activities for a sense of achieve-
Thomas A. Caldwell ment and to draw them into the fabric of the
Secretary community.”
John F. Germ
Member-At-Large The Center in the 1970s had grown to nearly
200 students within 10 years. This was fol-
Herbert J. Haile, Jr. lowed by the opening of group homes and the
Vice President, Building/Maintenance
first placement of clients in the workforce. Ac-
Jerry Summers complishments mounted to services for the
Vice President, Legal Committee blind, the development of supportive living fa-
cilities, game and art programs, the opening of
OTHER BOARD MEMBERS Intermediate Care Facilities and group and re-
Barton C. Burns tirement/senior homes, a speech and language
John Buhrman
Larry Cash center, medical and dental facilities, community
Tom Cofer supports to encourage and establish volunteer-
Daniel J. LaGraff
ism and employment, and a recycling program
Bill Lusk
Sharon Matthews that is currently a major factor in providing jobs
Neal Pinkston for Center clientele.
Rosie Russell
Dr. Richard Sadowitz
S. Scott Short Orange Grove Center has the distinction of be-
Avery Smith ing the first local site for Special Olympics, and
Dr. Ben Tyber
is a trendsetter locally and nationally, in that it
is one of the oldest organizations of its kind still
HONORARY BOARD in existence.
T. Hicks Armor
T. Maxfield Bahner
Charles A. Comer
Morton J. Kent
Helen C. Mahn
Emily C. McKenzie
William R. Russell
Janet Strang
3. Services 3
Adult Services
Adult Services includes Adult Comprehensive Training, Community Supports, the John F. Germ Recycling Center, and
the Walter A. Lerch Industrial Technology Center (ITC).
Community Supports
Community Supports Division partners with local businesses and employers to offer meaningful work opportunities to
those we serve. Employers use our workforce by sending work to Orange Grove to be completed, by allowing us to
send workers to a business site to perform work, or by hiring our individuals. This department has a niche for meeting
a business’ needs because of its wide range of abilities and versatility. This characteristic has enabled it to provide
mutually beneficial relationships.
Individuals in this area work full-time and part-time in a variety of vocational settings including: job readiness training,
work adjustment training, trial work experiences, workshop job placements, enclave job placements, heavy equip-
ment certification, and competitive job placements. All vocational services are designed to help each person gain the
self-reliance they desire.
Long-term follow along services help ensure each individual is successful in their job placement. In addition to voca-
tional opportunities, community participation activities are encouraged. They include: volunteering, exploring work
opportunities for the future, and retirement activities. Community Supports also offers one-on-one support through
personal assistance services provided for individuals after hours and on weekends in the community, and/or their
home environments.
Recycling Center
The John F. Germ Recycling Center, named after a long-time OGC board member, provides numerous employment
opportunities for individuals seeking personal independence. The Center is partner to the City of Chattanooga in its
efforts to provide local residents the convenience of five (5) drop-off stations. The Center is also a fully-functional
processing plant, with tours offered to the public.
The Recycling Education Coordinator handles all tours, and provides a wealth of education regarding the processing
facility and the on-site educational and learning center. The Coordinator is also responsible for all media inquiries
specifically relating to the Recycling Center.
The Center has a partnership with the City of Chattanooga to pick up recyclables each week, and in turn, the city
grants use of dump trucks and other equipment to transport all goods. Recyclables include computers, glass, plastic
and paper products. Visit the website at: www.orangegroverecycling.org/ to learn more.
Industrial Training Center (ITC)
ITC provides work for approximately 160 individuals daily. Eleven (11) companies have been serviced, which pro-
vides monthly revenue from contracts. ITC contracts with:
Amazing Glaze Kiwanis Club SMP
Farley’s and Sather’s Meri Meals Starkey Printing Company
GPS Norfolk Southern Suburban Manufacturing
Gold Bond Racemark International
ITC has one (1) off-site work station with Meri Meals, assembling military meal kits with a group of individuals and a
supervisor one (1) day per week. ITC is a member of the Chattanooga Manufacturer’s Association, which has led to
involvement in Lean Manufacturing.
A relationship with NISH (national employment agency for people
with disabilities) has provided training money to educate staff on Lean
Manufacturing, Department of Labor guidelines, and other trainings
needed to make the workshop more efficient.
4. 4 Services
Adult Comprehensive Training (ACT)
ACT provides individual training to adults, 22 years and older, based on priorities established by each person and
their support team. This training helps to promote social and interpersonal skills, builds personal care skills and
develops community awareness. Physical needs of the individual are also addressed.
ACT addresses the personal outcomes of each person through an array of augmentative interventions (also
called enhancement opportunities) which most community agencies serving individuals with mental retardation
simply do not offer.
ACT prepares individuals for full-time vocational experiences, as well as other personal achievements which cre-
ate a well-rounded, interdependent lifestyle.
Compliance and Training
The Training Department has a full-time Trainer and Training Administrative Assistant that provides quality training
to all new staff meeting the training requirements of the Department of Mental Retardation (DMRS) and Orange
Grove Center. Training is ongoing and offers many training topics and times to meet the needs and schedules of all
the staff. We support our staff through various activities with “September to Remember” and Direct Support Pro-
fessionals (DSP) Games. Both of these activities are fun, as well as providing opportunities for them to learn and
demonstrate their skills.
Our Incident Management Department provides oversight for the safety and potential risks of the individuals we
serve. Focus Group Meetings are offered annually to each Department to ensure their knowledge of the Protection
From Harm Domains and Indicators.
The Compliance Department works with Federal and State Surveys on meeting the requirements for providing a
quality program to meet the needs and interests of our Individuals. The Compliance Department continues to work
to maintain and improve our Three Star Status with the Department of Mental Retardation. The Compliance Depart-
ment works throughout OGC to ensure a good working relationship for the planning and care of our individuals.
Development and Public Relations
Development seeks to secure funding opportunities to coincide with the budget granted at the state and federal lev-
els. Capital Campaigns, the annual membership drive, the Jackie Tyber Memorial Golf Tournament, and the Brick
Engraving Campaign are all governed by Development.
Public Relations ensure that marketing and public relations efforts aid in the cultivation of the Orange Grove image,
as well as maintaining adequate media relationships. This department is responsible for media opportunities and
appearances, and creating marketing materials, including the quarterly Osage Connection newsletter, Annual Re-
ports, departmental brochures, and other materials. Development and Public Relations also maintains the website.
Outside inquiries are directed to this department.
Activities coordinated through Development and Publications include the Jackie Tyber Memorial Golf Tournament,
which takes place in the Fall, and Founders’ Day, the first Tuesday in December. “Breakfast for Champions” takes
place in April. It is the largest event sponsored by the center.
Education and Training
Orange Grove students are enveloped in a regimen of support that includes family, friends, choices and recipro-
cal community involvement. Education and vocational training prepare students for more independent living and
working.
Admissions Guidelines/Enrollment Policy
Individuals served have a primary disability of Mental Retardation, and are predominantly from Hamilton County,
TN, and surrounding counties of southeast Tennessee, northwest Georgia and northeast Alabama.
5. Services 5
Enrollment Procedures
Services are provided to individuals who are referred primarily from the Hamilton County Department of Education
or the Division of Mental Retardation Services, State of Tennessee. Individual families, physicians, social service
agencies, governmental entities, and advocates may also contact the Center regarding the enrollment of an in-
dividual. All interested parties are directed to the local school system if they are under the age of 22, and to the
Division of Mental Retardation Services local office if they are over the age of 22, since they are seeking public
support for the individual to attend.
There are instances where a family or guardian may be interested in supporting the individual privately and, in this
case, the Center would process the application and establish the necessary fees.
Children’s Services
Children’s Services Department has approximately ninety-five (95) students who are taught by thirteen (13) Certi-
fied Special Education Teachers and thirty-three (33) Direct Support Professionals. The Department also includes
a Principal, Social Worker, Administrative Assistant, and a Behavior Specialist/Sub-Teacher who support the class-
room staff. In addition, there is a music teacher, an art teacher and a recreation therapist to provide extensive
enrichment programs.
Children’s Services continuously receives State School Approval from the Tennessee Department of Education.
The school program maintains a positive working relationship with all Local Education Agencies (LEA).
The state approved Work-Based Learning (WBL) Program has work sites in the community with GPS, Community
Kitchen, Applebee’s, Meri Meals, and contract work within the center, including towel delivery, recycling (cardboard
and paper recycling through Global Kidz Inc., an entrepreneural classroom project).
Music
The Music Department provides interactive music classes for all ages of individuals at Orange Grove. Through the
use of varying styles of music, individuals are engaged in activities designed to enhance auditory listening and per-
ception, gross and fine motor skills, and social interaction. Singing, dancing, and “hands-on” music making provide
learning opportunities, sensory stimulation, and entertainment.
The Music Department also provides more specialized music opportunities through participation in the Orange
Grove Chorus, the Orange Grove Dancers, as well as providing individualized singing and piano instruction for sev-
eral persons. The Chorus and Dancers also perform before audiences, and have made appearances everywhere
from churches to local television specials.
Recreation Department
Individuals are allowed to engage in free play while in the gymnasium.
Students are matched with groups according to their abilities.
The Recreation Department services through the use of a fully-equipped gym-
nasium, and a full-sized Olympic pool. A certified lifeguard is always on duty
to monitor recreational swimming for children and adults. The weekly schedule
is comprised of gym classes, water ballet, kickball, bowling, Frisbee throw-
ing, scooter board races, riding boogie boards, and dances are held on Fri-
days. Outside of classes, students may train for and participate in the Special
Olympics, which are held in January (Winter Olympics), March (aquatics), April
(track and field) and September (bowling).
Transportation
Orange Grove Center operates a fleet of 25 school buses and 77 vans providing transportation for over 500 clients.
Nearly 300 person trips are made per day. All vehicles and drivers are insured, and must complete all Defensive
and Safe Driver Training programs. Approximately, 25 hours of training must be completed under the Tennessee
Department of Safety.
6. 6 Services
Health Care Services
The Augustus McCravey Health Care Department is a full-service medical facility offering a complete range of
health care services to all OGC clients.
Since 1991, staff have provided health related education, pre-employment physicals, medical laboratory proce-
dures, as well as first aid. Local MD residents and nursing students from UTC, Chattanooga State, Cleveland
State, and Lee University are given clinical rotation experience. The dental clinic offers on-site experience for
dental hygienist students. Registered nursing students use the clinic as part of their educational program.
The health care services provided at OGC has earned recognition in the community as a whole. Individuals with
the diagnosis of MR/DD (Mentally Retarded/Developmentally Disabled) are being referred for medical and dental
care by local physicians and outside agencies.
Medical Clinic
The Medical Clinic is open Mondays through Fridays, serving individuals in need of medical treatment and
regular consultations. The staff of one (1) doctor, two (2) nurse practitioners, and six nurses provide caring as-
sistance to all visitors to the clinic.
Dental Clinic
The dental clinic has two (2) dentists and one (1) hygienist, serving individuals on a daily basis whenever
needed by appointment. Visits may include cleanings, check-ups, and x-rays, while more serious conditions are
responded to off-site.
Human Resources
The Human Resources Department is responsible for attracting the most qualified employees and matching them
to the jobs for which they are best suited. It is also responsible for coordination of employee benefits, employee
relations, the employment process, personnel policies oversight, policy and procedures manuals and workers
compensation. You may listen to the employment commercial online at: www.orangegrovecenter.com/downloads/
commercialorangegrove.mp3.
Volunteer Services
Volunteer Services is a division of Human Resources. Assistance is provided to the staff and clientele of Orange
Grove through the generosity of those who donate their time on a daily basis. Volunteer Services embraces the
Foster Grandparent program through Senior Neighbors, as well as volunteers from varying community sources
such as UTC, local high schools, groups, and individuals. A completed application and mandatory TB skin test
is required before any contact with individuals is allowed.
Morton J. Kent Habilitation Center
Established in 1993, the Morton J. Kent Habilitation Center inte-
grates both the prevailing and future biopsychosocial problems
of citizens with developmental disabilities and special health care
needs. The role and professionalism of the Direct Care Profes-
sional as the lynchpin to successful community-based services is
a current high priority.
Affiliations include the award-winning magazine, Exceptional Par-
ent, The World Congress on Disabilities, the Office of the Surgeon
General, the National Institutes of Health, and leading universi-
ties provide Orange Grove the opportunity to be “at the table” with
policymakers in the field of developmental disabilities, especially
in teacher training, health care, aging, injury prevention, life span
counseling, assistive technology, and parent interface.
Art
Art services are provided by a 30-year veteran graphic designer who specializes in three-dimensional art in the
delivery of habilitation services. The art department is also responsible for all photography that is displayed at
7. Services 7
the Center, as well as in the publications and other marketing materials relating to Orange Grove Center.
See page 11 for more on the “Hab Center.”
Nutrition Services
Nutrition Services provides just fewer than 700 meals per day in the main cafeteria and the Recycling Center
cafeteria. The main cafeteria seats about 220 people at a time during lunch service between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00
p.m.
Meals are served daily to all individuals through the school breakfast and lunch programs. All meals are reviewed
by the Registered Dietitian and modified for medical nutrition therapy and special diet needs as prescribed by
the physician.
The “tray du jour” menu is planned for reimbursable meal program requirements (National School Lunch Program
and the Child and Adult Day Care Program), and the à la carte line sells a variety of foods on a cash basis.
Residential Services
Residential Services combines living assisted residential care and the comforts of home through group home
residences, supported living facilities, and residential habilitation. Living arrangements are based on the individ-
ual’s need, and ability to live independently in some cases.
Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Mental Retardation (ICF/MR)
The ICF program is a community based residential program which provides services for 72 consumers with
intellectual disabilities. This community based residential program operates within the rules and regulations
of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Tennessee Department of Mental Retardation, Tennessee
Department of Health, and Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities.
The department employs 185 employees including an
administrative department consisting of five coordina-
tors, one RN Coordinator, one RN (Nursing) educator,
twenty-six front line supervisors and thirty-three licensed
practical nurses.
The consumers, who reside in the ICF group homes,
are supported by 24 hour awake staff, licensed nursing
services, live-in residential managers (in 12 out of 14
group homes). Additionally, the department is support-
ed by a therapy team which exclusively supports these
72 consumers. The therapy supports include physical
therapy, occupational therapy, speech language pathol-
ogy, dietary and behavior supports. Recreation and lei-
sure activities are an enormous service to the consumers.
Residential Habilitation
Residential Habilitation has 25 homes serving 150 individuals. The Residential Habilitation model supports
from two to eight individuals in Orange Grove Center-owned homes, with a live-in house manager and support
staff as needed.
Staff promote opportunities for the individuals to make choices in life skill development, while participating in
many activities throughout the community, such as church, shopping, festivals, sporting events and trips.
Supported Living
Supported Living has 23 homes throughout the Chattanooga area that support 38 individuals. Supported
Living homes are not Orange Grove homes, but instead are the individual’s homes. These individuals are as-
sisted in leasing their home or apartment in the community. OGC supplies the staffing support and oversight
of their home.
8. 8 Services
Services are very individualized, with most homes having only 1-3 individuals in them. These individuals have
intensive behavioral needs and some health related issues that would make it very difficult if not impossible to live
with others. Most of the individuals that we support have one-on-one support because of their intense needs.
Therapy Services
Therapy Services have been a part of OGC’s therapeutic services for 35 years. We support the individuals’ need
for therapeutic clinical experise in order to access and benefit from daily life. Therapies are most beneficial when
integrated into the individuals day by trained staff, guided by clinical experts.
At OGC, we function by providing PT, OT and SLP services to clients typically referred by their ISP/IEP support plans
supported by physical aids. We also function as a PT community provider accepting a variety of insurances, includ-
ing Medicare, private Blue Cross plans, Blue Care and Tenn Care Select.
Physical Therapy
The Physical Therapy department at OGC provides evaluation, treatment, and consultative services to school
age and adult clients with developmental disabilities. We accept referrals from all physicians and deliver private
outpatient services accepting a variety of private insurances, including Blue Care and TennCare Select. The focus
of care is on the individual and their family resulting in the coordination of services that is required to successfully
support individuals in their choice of environments.
PT expertise includes adaptations for equipment including custom WC seating systems. Support staff and families
who interact with individuals on a daily basis receive competency based training from therapists. Clients have an
opportunity to try innovative assistive gait devices and develop motor skills in the hydrotherapy pools. Regardless
of the severity of the individual’s disability, the PT department offers evaluations and proposed plan of care within
a community network of services available.
Occupational Therapy
The Occupational Therapy Department at Orange Grove Center provides services to both children and adults in
a variety of settings. Our primary focus is to enhance the lives of persons with developmental and physical dis-
abilities by furthering their independence in everyday living opportunities. Referrals can be generated by family or
support staff, but require a physicians order.
The Occupational Therapy Department includes the multi-sensory environments located at Orange Grove Center.
We facilitate the use of the Snoezelen room, playmotion! and the Sensory Gym. All of these areas are utilized
by consumers on a near daily basis with benefits overflowing into other environments. Occupational Therapy
provides the following services:
Motor Skills - fine motor (handwriting, in-hand manipulation, etc.), visual motor (tracking, perception, etc.), upper
extremity coordination, motor planning, and ADL training
Splinting - functional use, resting use and maintaining current position
Assistive technology - environmental access, vocational/home adaptations, computer access and augmentative
communication device access
Sensory Processing - sensory integration (tactile, vestibular, proprioceptive, etc.), aromatherapy, sensory gym,
Snoezelen Center and playmotion!
Physical and Nutritional Management (PNM)
The Physical Nutritional Management Team is a intra-disciplinary team that provides a holistic range of therapeutic
services to ICF clients. The core of the PNMT is comprised of nine professionals: a Behavior Analyst and a Be-
havior Specialist; an Occupational Therapist and Occupational Therapist Assistant; a Physical Therapist and two
Physical Therapist Assistants; a Registered Dietitian and a Speech and Language Pathologist.
Each ICF client is evaluated annually and as needed by each discipline to determine the ultimate needs of the
individual. The therapists then provide written programs and guidelines for each individual and train the home and
day program staff on how to implement those programs and guidelines to ensure the highest caliber of care. PNM
also supplies ICF with assistive devices and equipment that is repaired and individualized on site. Recently, the
Team added an Audio Visual Technician that is creating video training programs.
9. Services 9
Speech Language Therapy
The Jim Goldman Speech and Language Department at OGC provides evaluation, treatment and consultative
services to school age children and adult clients with developmental disabilities. Upon physician referral, we de-
liver outpatient services to individuals based on their needs.
Treatment is primarily in the areas of communication and swallowing. In the treatment of communication prob-
lems, our therapists utilize traditional speech therapy techniques as well as the incorporation of technology into a
client’s life. Our innovative use of current technological advances in speech-generating communication devices
aids many clients in achieving a level of independence not previously attainable. We provide extensive swallowing
treatment, including the use of electrical stimulation (specifically, the VitalStim method) to increase the client’s abil-
ities to eat food while decreasing their risk for choking and aspiration. In the near future, we plan to offer treatment
focused on teaching literacy skills to clients who may not have previously had the opportunity to learn to read.
Our Speech-Language Pathologists work closely with each individual and his/her family to support them in the
home, school, work and community settings. We seek to provide a comprehensive, supportive plan which focuses
on the abilities of each individual.
In 2003, the department became the Jim Goldman Speech and Language Center, after long-time volunteer and
board member, Jim Goldman.
Sensory Processing Therapy
Snoezelen
The “Snoezelen Room” opened in spring 2005, and
provides sensory processing opportunities for school-
age children and adult clients. Community access is
currently available for a fee after a screening by the
OT.
Snoezelen is the name of a philosophy that makes use
of a specially designed room that provides a relaxing
sensory environment for people with a variety of spe-
cial needs. The word “snoezelen” is Dutch, from the
region in which the Snoezelen philosophy developed.
The Dutch word “snuffelen” means “to explore,” and
“doezelen” means “to doze.” Through Snoezelen, the
senses are stimulated by a combination of soothing
music, lighting, tactile sensations and aromatherapy.
Sensory Gym
The sensory gym allows play, sensory stimulation and learning to come together. The sensory gym has colorful
and engaging equipment like a ball pit, scooter boards and a climbing net. A 50-foot sensory wall engages the
senses of touch, sight, and hearing. The sensory gym is not only fun, it helps students of all abilities develop
imperative skills such as balance, posture and tactile tolerance.
playmotion!
playmotion! is an innovative computer program that facilitates educational play through interactive activities
using virtual reality technology, and room-size projected images. Whether the user is participating in a virtual
soccer game or practicing academic skills as computer generated planets move on the play surface, playmo-
tion! creates the best combining world’s education and physical activity facilitated through play.
Created by artist Greg Roberts, playmotion! was founded on the premise of resurrecting the ancient art of
play.
10. 10 Dr. Rick Rader, Habilitation Center Director
The Morton J. Kent Habilitation Center has the distinction of having Dr. Rick Rader as its direc-
tor and research specialist in the area of serving individuals with developmental disabilities.
Although he is a licensed medical professional, Dr. Rader generously devotes himself to Orange
Grove Center, and to educating the public. Below is a list of some of his accolades in relation to
his commitment to the underserved:
The first appointed Special Liaison for Healthcare at the prestigious President’s Committee for
People with Intellectual Disabilities in Washington, DC, and served on the Family Services and
Supports subcommittee in June 2003.
Serves as special consultant to the Office of Rare Diseases at the National Institute of Health, as
well as the Office on Disability at the Dept. of Health and Human Services.
Formerly Director of International Operations for Surgical Aid to Children of the World and Medical Director of the Journal
Infections in Medicine, Complications in Surgery and Abstracts in Infectious Diseases. He has a fellowship in psychoneu-
roimmunology and was the Executive Director of the American Institute of Stress where he studied stress for the CIA, FBI,
NASA, United Nations, and the World Health Organization.
Serves on the National Advisory Panel of Last Passages.
Rader has been working with the City of Chattanooga, TN, to fund Universal Newborn Screening (UNS) for all babies born
locally through a special arrangement with Neo Gen Screening of Bridgeville, PA.
Activity Co-Director and President of the American Academy of Developmental Medicine & Dentistry
Member of the Medical Division of the American Association on Mental Retardation, a Fellow Member of the American
Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, a Fellow of the American Institute of Stress, the Society of
Teachers of Family Medicine, and The New York Academy of Sciences.
Consultant to the Vice President’s Expert Panel on Family Centered Care, a participant in the public policy forum of the
National Institutes of Health and on the Steering Committee of the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals.
Spearheaded the drive to train medical students and physicians in techniques of communicating the expression of pain
with non-verbal retarded citizens.
Chair of the Chattanooga Rehab Cluster.
A featured speaker at the International Congress on Stress in Switzerland for several years.
Member of the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine and The American Association on Mental Retardation. He is a Fel-
low of The American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine and The American Institute of Stress
Has authored over 50 articles on neurodevelopmental disabilities and has lectured extensively all over the world on the
dynamics of the special needs community.
Formerly a member of the Surgeon General’s Task Force on Healthcare Disparities for People with Mental Retardation,
as well as serving as a consultant to the NIH’s Office on Rare Diseases.
Serves as a medical consultant to Special Olympics.
Adjunct professor of Human Development at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, as well as serving on the
Genetics Advisory Board for the State of Tennessee. He serves on the board of the American Association on Health and
Disabilities.
The first physician elected as an honorary member of the Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association. He is a member
of the New York Academy of Science.
In 2008, Rader was one of five health care professionals who were honored by the National Academy of Practice in Medi-
cine with a Distinguished Practitioner Award. The Academy is a division of the National Academies of Practice (NAP).
Only 150 practitioners or scholars will ever receive this award.
11. Sources of Revenue / Fund-raising 11
The operation of Orange Grove Center rests on funding provided by sources at several levels. Most of the fund-
ing received comes from federal and state sources. The operating budget is more than $31 million.
Orange Grove has been a United Way sponsored agency throughout its history.
Each year, United Way provides funding for operating costs. The annual employee
in-house campaign takes place each summer, with donations up to $50,000. In ad-
dition, OGC employees designate funds to benefit other United Way agencies.
ONGOING FUND-RAISERS
Orange Grove Center has a number of continuous funding opportunities that are enacted throughout the year.
Brick Engraving Campaign
The Brick Engraving Campaign is a fund-raising effort in which bricks are purchased for someone of interest,
and messages, names, or other are engraved on them in memory of someone special. The cost is $50 each.
Completed bricks are then placed in the OGC Courtyard where all others are kept.
Annual Membership Drive
The annual membership drive enables contributors to make a pledge to Orange Grove. Each donation makes
it possible to provide an array of services and programs to individuals served. Donors may pledge any amount,
making one time payments or monthly to annual billing. Some gifts are tax deductible. Payments may be made
online with a credit or debit card through PayPal by visiting the Orange Grove website.
Jackie Tyber Memorial Golf Tournament
Held annually, one week prior to the Chattanooga Classic, the Tyber Tourney raises funds for the Tyber Building
Fund. Proceeds benefit the renovations of the Tyber Building, which is home to Community Supports, Residential
Habilitation, and Intermediate Care Facilities.
12. 12 Annual Events
JANUARY
Winter Special Olympics
FEBRUARY
Valentine’s Dance
MARCH
Special Olympics (Aquatics and Basketball)
St. Patrick’s Day Dance
APRIL
“Breakfast for Champions”
Special Olympics (Track and Field)
OGC Prom
JUNE
Double G Camp
SEPTEMBER
“September to Remember”
Special Olympics
Jackie Tyber Memorial Golf Tournament
OCTOBER
Direct Support Professional (DSP) Games,
Nashville, TN
NOVEMBER
Annual Membership Campaign
DECEMBER
Founders’ Day (Luncheon and Dinner,
the first Tuesday of the month)
13. Awards and Honors 13
Clients
February 2007, OGC client Debbie Chadwick, was
bestowed with the honor of becoming a USA Freedom Corps
Greeter for her service to residents of Life Care Center of Mis-
sionary Ridge in Chattanooga. President George W. Bush flew
to Chattanooga to personally give her a lapel pin (the President’s
Volunteer Service Award) and Secret Service badge for her ef-
forts. Debbie spent 7 years working with residents, while creating
more programs and activities to better serve them.
Direct Support Professionals
Over the years, Orange Grove DSPs have had the honor of being
recipients of the Direct Support Professionals Association of
Tennessee (DSPAT) award for their service.
Habilitation Center
See Dr. Rick Rader, Hab Center Director, page 11. Dr. Rick Rader
(below right) received the Distinguished Practitioner Award from the
National Academies of Practice.
Health Care Services
6 of the 9 Day Program Nurses are Certified Developmental Disabilities Nurses.
Orange Grove Center staff member, Veronica Stone, RN, OCN, NNMC, co-au-
thored “Home Care Issues,” a chapter in the recently published book, Nursing
Management: Principles and Practice, published by Oncology Nursing Society
Press. The book is intended to be used for all practice areas of nursing, as well
as nursing school programs. It is an important resource for nurse managers and
administrators in virtually every aspect of nursing practice to help meet the needs
of patients, families, institutions, corporations, and society in general.
Other
Orange Grove Center is a multi-year recipient of the 3-Star Award from the Ten-
nessee Division of Mental Retardation Services for outstanding services to people with developmental disabilities.
We are one of only 20 agencies across the state to have earned this award.
Orange Grove Center was named the East Tennessee Agency of the Year 2007 by the Tennessee Chapter of the
Association of Persons in Supported Employment (TNAPSE) for the Center’s successes in supported employ-
ment.
14. 14 Contact Information
ADMINISTRATION
Kyle Hauth, Executive Director
khauth@orangegrove.org
Dianne Aytes, Deputy Director
daytes@orangegrove.org
MEDIA INQUIRIES
Public Relations/Marketing (Main Location) John F. Germ Recycling Center at OGC
Leslie Smith, Coordinator Nikki Rozzell, Recycling Education Coordinator
(423) 308-1160 (423) 493-2574
lesmith@orangegrove.org nrozzell@orangegrove.org
DEPARTMENT DIRECTORY
Main Center (Derby Street) (423) 629-1451
Residential Services (423) 493-2954
Human Resources (423) 629-1451
Industrial Training Center (423) 493-2908
Habilitation Center (423) 493-2924
Children’s Services (423) 493-2947
Adult Comprehensive Training (423) 493-2452
Therapy Services (423) 493-2922
Quality Compliance (423) 493-2919
Recycling Center (423) 493-2925
Health Care Services (423) 493-2905
Community Supports (423) 493-2960
Recreation Department (423) 493-2928
For information and assistance related to enrolling a student under the age of 22, you may contact Jann
Davis, School Social Worker, at 629-1451, ext. 2576.
For information and assistance related to enrolling an adult over the age of 22, you may contact
any of the following:
Darcy Owens, Director of Education and Training, 423-629-1451, ext. 2938
Tera Roberts, Director of Adult Services, 423-629-1451, ext. 2960
Chattanooga Regional Office of DMRS, 423-634-6149
For information and assistance related to Residential Services, contact any of the following:
Ruth Toon, Director of Residential Habilitation, 423-629-1451, ext. 2954
Bev Witt, Director of Intermediate Care Facilities, 423-629-1451, ext. 2953
Gail Walker, Director of Supported Living, 423-697-9055
Chattanooga Regional Office of DMRS, 423-634-6149
15. Other Information 15
THE ORANGE GROVE SONG
“After All” written by Sharon Thorn, also known as “The Nashville Writer”
Sung by singer, songwriter and composer, Perry Danos, of Nashville, TN
(May be heard online at: http://www.orangegrovecenter.org/downloads/orangegrovesong.MP3)
PUBLICATIONS
“Just One Step”
Commemorative book of OGC history celebrating 50 years of service (1953-2003)
Photos by Dennis Wilkes, Orange Grove Center art instructor
Edited by Jan Galletta
Osage Connection
Quarterly newsletter for staff, parents, donors, and supporters of Orange Grove Center.
Designed and published through Development and Publication
VISUAL MEDIA
50th Anniversary Celebration Documentary, “Orange Grove Center”
Produced by WTCI Channel 45/PBS Chattanooga, TN
Editor: A. Williams
October 2, 2003
Length: 28:50
WEBSITE
URL: www.orangegrovecenter.com
Maintained by Development and Public Relations
TOURS
Tours are given, preferably by reservation, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Mondays through
Fridays. Inquiries are directed to (423) 629-1451, ext. 2911.
LOGO
The Orange Grove logo (left) is the Osage orange, or hedge apple,
which is actually green in color. Osage trees grew at the original
Orange Grove site on Main Street, which led to the name.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission statement was originally the motto: “Love overcomes… vigilance endures.”
Today, Orange Grove Center’s mission statement is:
“To recognize, support and celebrate the qualities of the individual.”
16. 16 Fact Sheet
OGC is a 501(c)3 organization.
OGC is a United Way member, and has been throughout its history.
OGC is a top 20 major, non-manufacturing employer locally (number 14 on the list in 2007), according to the
Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce.
The primary diagnosis for individuals served is mental retardation. Some clients/students may have additional
diagnoses of autism, Down Syndrome, visual or hearing impairment and other conditions.
OGC was started in 1953.
OGC serves approximately 700 individuals, and employs nearly 750.
OGC operates 61 residential homes throughout Chattanooga, serving 261 people.
OGC sits on 22.5 acres of land between Derby Street and Arlington Avenue.
Students in the school program at OGC may enroll as early as 6 years of age.
OGC students graduate from the center each year, in the same manner as Hamilton County students.
OGC students move on to become employed in everyday jobs in the community.
OGC is the original site locally for Special Olympics.
OGC has two sensory integration components: Snoezelen and playmotion!.
OGC has a certified medical and dental facility.
OGC is contracted through its Adult Comprehensive Training department with service recipients producing
items for major companies such as Gold Bond and Racemark International.
OGC runs 50 vans and 25 school buses in its Transportation Fleet.
OGC partners with 175 regional businesses in various work and vocational training initiatives.
Has a $31 million operating budget.
OGC has a Nutrition Services department that operates the Center’s two cafeterias, and provides breakfast and
lunch to its clients and staff daily.
Dr. Rick Rader serves as director of the Morton J. Kent Habilitation Center. He is internationally known for his
expertise on varying subjects, including health care and developmental disabilities. He is Editor-in-Chief of
Exceptional Parent magazine, and one of only 150 persons ever to receive the National Academies of Practice
Award.
DSP’s are Direct Support Professionals. They work directly with individuals in classrooms, homes, and in other
places. They may teach, care for, cook for, and help with many aspects of an individual’s livelihood.
Recycling at OGC began in 1988, with the John F. Germ Recycling Center dedicated in 1998. It is named for
board member, John F. Germ.
The Habilitation Center opened in 1993, and is named for Morton J. Kent, a long-time board member.
The 50 year anniversary was in 2003. The celebration lasted 6 months.
The Jim Goldman Speech and Language Center, named for the long-time volunteer, board member and former
board president, was dedicated in 2003.
ICF/MR – Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Mental Retardation
ACT – Adult Comprehensive Training
ITC – Industrial Training Center
17. Administrative Staff 17
Janet Brewer, Fiscal Services Director
Carla Cooper, Human Resources Director
Jenny Foster, Compliance and Training Director
Darcy Owens, Education Director
Laura Porter, Health Care Services Director
Dr. Rick Rader, Director of the Morton J. Kent Habilitation Center
Tera Roberts, Adult Services Director (Community Supports, ACT, ITC, and Recycling)
Ruth Toon, Residential Habilitation Director
Gail Walker, Supported Living Director
Beverly Witt, ICF/MR Director and Therapy Services Director
Brandy Beeson, Recreation Coordinator
Pam Brandenburg, Residential Services Coordinator
Sally Brown, Community Supports Coordinator
Tyrus Chislom, Transportation Coordinator
Claudette Cox, Compliance Coordinator
Candis Dawson, ICF/MR Coordinator
Betsy Dilworth, ICF/MR Coordinator
Samantha Dowdy, ICF/MR Coordinator
Autumn Gamble-Hatfield, Training Coordinator
Misti Gipson, Recycling Plant Coordinator
Tracy Glenn, Nutrition Services Coordinator
Kathy Hollaway, Residential Services Coordinator
Joe Lambert, Residential Services Coordinator
Paul Nation, Recycling Enclave Coordinator
Phillip Royal, Industrial Training Center Coordinator
Nikki Rozzell, Recycling Education Coordinator
Larry Sample, Residential Services Coordinator
Regina Selby, Adult Comprehensive Training Coordinator
Joy Smith, Information Services Coordinator
Leslie Smith, Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator
O’Dell Tiller, Community Supports Coordinator
Fred Vail, Maintenance Coordinator
Felecia Wilson, Residential Services Coordinator
Monty Parks, Music Department
Dennis Wilkes, Art Department
18. “This program is funded (in part) by the Tennessee Division of Mental Retardation Services, Ten- Orange Grove Center
nessee Department of Health, Tennessee Division of Rehabilitation Services, United Way of Ham- 615 Derby Street
ilton County, Hamilton County Government, USDA, TDOT and many private contributors.” Chattanooga, TN 37404-1678
Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, federal law protects individuals from discrimination. 629-1451
Facilities, programs and services sponsored by Orange Grove Center are available to all eligible 624-1294 (fax)
persons regardless of race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability. www.orangegrovecenter.org